Characteristics of community mental health center operations in small communities.

With increasing tempo, community mental health center programs are being developed in areas of low population density. Models created in urban areas will need modifications in philosophy and practice in order to flourish in this new environment. The distinctive characteristics of small community life must be taken into account. These characteristics may require alterations in the following selected areas of mental health center operations: type of personnel selected; method of program development; relationships with other professionals; approach to significant community "gatekeepers" and selection of program content.